Chapter 141: Chapter 135: You Forced Me to Show Off [Seeking Subscription]_1
Sha Chen’s expression indeed changed. If the ministers returned to devise ways to break his Formation and destroy his cave dwelling, that would be troublesome. It seemed this imperial council was indeed fraught with peril.
Sha Chen asked, "Fairy, do you know which immortals are plotting against me this time?"
He believed not every immortal would wish to oppose him. Many would surely disdain such actions, given how well he had disguised himself. If he knew who intended to act against him, he could make prior arrangements or preparations, perhaps allowing him to evade or resist them.
Fairy Chang E pondered for a moment. "There are quite a few: the Li Jing Family, Li Changgeng, the Barefoot Immortal, the Celestial Master of the Thunder Department..."
She counted on her fingers, and the number soon surpassed what both hands could tally. Growing weary of counting, she waved her hand impatiently. "In short, there are many. You should just resign yourself to your fate."
Sha Chen’s face darkened. So many, and all of them illustrious figures in the Heavenly Court. He furrowed his brow. It seems I must take serious action. I now need to defend not only against Buddhism but also against the overt and covert attacks from the Heavenly Court.
Previously, he could feign madness and play the fool. The Heavenly Court, concerned with its reputation, had to be mindful, especially since the Jade Emperor still hoped to win him over through appeasement. Now that the facade was torn, it was highly probable the Jade Emperor would use the same methods against him as were used against Sun Wukong. That would be a grave problem.
Sha Chen wanted to ask more, but Fairy Chang E had already slumped onto the table, fast asleep. He frowned, considering whether to wake her.
Just then, Chang E suddenly sprang up, brimming with energy, and stared intently at Sha Chen.
Her face was still flushed. She extended her hand. "I forgot something."
"What is it?" Sha Chen asked.
"I told you about the imperial council," Chang E said. "Now, shouldn’t you let me see the Sky Shaking Bow?"
Sha Chen was momentarily taken aback but then readily produced the Sky Shaking Bow and placed it in her hand. I’ve already completed the Refining of the Sky Shaking Bow; Chang E can’t possibly take it from me. And I’ve learned what I needed to know. There’s truly no need to deceive Chang E. In fact, my plan is to develop her into an informant. In the future, I’ll likely have to rely on her for intelligence from the Heavenly Court. If that’s the case, I can’t continue to be forceful; I need to win her over with gentleness.
But how exactly to make Chang E submit willingly, to become my subordinate, content to be directed by me—that is the challenge.
Sha Chen pondered this.Chang E caressed the Sky Shaking Bow, as if old, sorrowful memories were being stirred. Tears trickled down her cheeks, her sobs both melodious and plaintive. "The heavy strings strummed like a sudden squall, the fine strings hummed like lovers’ whispers. So, strumming and humming, the music interlaced, like pearls, large and small, falling on a jade plate."
Sha Chen watched silently from the side, neither disturbing nor intervening. Chang E stroked the Sky Shaking Bow, whispering softly, murmuring incoherently; even Sha Chen couldn’t understand what she was saying. Yet, he could clearly perceive her sorrow. Her words were laden with tears; her affection had not yet faded.
Watching this, Sha Chen couldn’t resist picking up a piece of fatty pork and downing three cups of wine, his eyes beginning to whirl. An idea is forming.
It’s not that I’m heartless, but to me, love and affection are merely restrictive conventions, obstacles on my path to growth. How can a man establish a family without first achieving something significant? My ultimate goal is to achieve sainthood; only then will I feel secure. Before that, I’m not qualified to start a family, so naturally, I won’t indulge in thoughts of romance. All these sentimental affairs are, to me, no more than side dishes to accompany wine.
Fairy Chang E was weeping bitterly. Sha Chen stepped forward, helped her up, and handed her a bowl of red bean porridge. "Fairy," he consoled, "drink this bowl of porridge. It will help you sober up and dispel your sorrows."
Chang E looked at him through tear-blurred eyes. "You are as considerate as he was... but you’re so ugly. You’re not him."
Sha Chen clenched his fists. He mentally released his grip on the Undefined Flying Rings and suppressed the potent urge to draw his Giant Que Sword. I must endure this. An informant needs to be handled with gentleness.
Sha Chen forced a smile. "Fairy, you must be recalling sorrowful memories. Drink this bowl of red bean porridge to clear your head; your troubles will then dissipate."
Chang E gazed at the red bean porridge, as if it mirrored happy moments from the past with her deceased father, and she found herself caught between tears and laughter.
"Red beans... why do you evoke such profound longing?" Fairy Chang E sighed.
Ignorant, Sha Chen thought.
He casually recited, "Red beans grow in southern lands; come spring, how many new branches will appear? Gather them in abundance, my friend, for these, above all, evoke longing."
Chang E, as if entranced, lifted her head and stared directly at Sha Chen, her hand covering her mouth as tears streamed down her face. "Longing... longing... only these beans evoke such deep longing. Does he think of me? If he does, why did he never come to find me afterward?"
Chang E wept, her tears like pear blossoms in the rain. Sha Chen was right beside her, and she even rested her head on his shoulder, drenching his robes with her tears. This gave Sha Chen a headache. Surprisingly, he found himself missing the Spider Demon, Lady Di Yong, and even the White Bone Demon. It wasn’t that contentment stirred any lust in me; it’s just that those demonesses were easy to placate. They wouldn’t cry and wail like this. Like a... woman. Huh? A woman? Forget it, it doesn’t matter.
Sha Chen considered pushing away this suddenly sentimental woman, but remembering his grand plan to win her over, he restrained himself. He tried to comfort her with kind words, but Chang E seemed deaf to them, lost in her own world. He had no choice but to let her continue her lament.
However, I need to seize the advantage while she’s at her most vulnerable, make her entirely dependent on me, and secure her emotional allegiance. Thus, the sadder she becomes, the more pleased I am.
「Half an hour later.」
Chang E’s soliloquy lessened, her tears dried, and she merely stared blankly into the distance, her thoughts wandering beyond the heavens.
Sha Chen sensed it was time to add fuel to the fire. He said, "Fairy, while serving my punishment here, I’ve had ample time to reflect on some melodies and verses. Shall I perform them for you, to help alleviate your melancholy?"
Chang E seemed not to hear him, already leaning against the table, lost in her reverie. Sha Chen interpreted her silence as consent. He grabbed a handful of beans and scattered them. Divine Power: Beans into Soldiers!
The beans transformed into a troupe of flamboyantly dressed women, bearing resemblances to the White Bone Demon, Lady Di Yong, and even the Dragon Girl. After all, I’ve been here for over a hundred years and haven’t seen any other women. The ones I conjure naturally use them as templates, albeit with some minor modifications.
Then, figures resembling Ao Lie, Tianpeng, and other robust men like the Black Bear Demon appeared, playing drums and gongs. They too were subtly altered in detail—somewhat familiar, yet indistinct upon closer inspection.
Chang E merely glanced at them. That drummer looks somewhat familiar, she thought. Just as she was about to look closer, she recalled that she was supposed to be grieving and dismissed the thought. As for the songs and tunes Sha Chen claimed to have composed, she felt utter disdain. Who am I? The foremost beauty of the Heavenly Realm! I have mastered countless songs and dances. What melody haven’t I heard? What song is unknown to me? This Sha Chen is merely trying to show off his meager skills before an expert.
However, I suppose he means well, Chang E conceded internally, refraining from scoffing.
Sha Chen snapped his fingers. The bean-soldiers-turned-musicians began to beat drums, strike gongs, and play their instruments, their voices rising in song. Then, one with a particularly fine voice began to sing a love song from a much later era, titled "Red Beans":
"Not yet have I truly savored the season of blossoming snowflakes... Sometimes, sometimes, I believe all things must end... When all the sights have been seen, perhaps you will accompany me, to watch the waters flow on endlessly."
As the song concluded, Chang E was once again overcome with tears. She had barely managed to stifle her sobs, only to be moved to tears anew by the performance of Sha Chen’s bean-soldiers.
After weeping for a while, she looked at Sha Chen. He actually seems much more imposing now. And... aside from being a bit rugged, he doesn’t seem as ugly as I first thought. In fact, looking closely, he’s rather striking.
Sha Chen offered a faint smile. "Fairy, the performance isn’t over yet."
Several more poignant, tear-inducing songs followed. He even had them improvise a scene depicting Hou Yi shooting down the suns. He truly made Fairy Chang E weep until she was utterly spent, her tear ducts nearly exhausted. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.
Sha Chen was satisfied. Gradually, Chang E regained her composure, casting Sha Chen a look that mingled resentment with gratitude. I see now. He wanted me to cry, to break down my emotional defenses. Looking at him now, her earlier deep wariness had vanished. But to say I feel fondness, or that I’d let him take advantage of me... that seems unlikely. Besides, I suspect he’s doing all this precisely to take advantage of my vulnerability. I should disabuse him of that notion.
Yet, before she could speak, Sha Chen spoke first. "Fairy, it’s good to have let it all out. You’ve cried sufficiently now. Let the accumulated years of sorrow and longing be carried away by the wind."
Chang E paused, stunned. She felt the recently dried tears welling up once more. Her face flushed. I misunderstood him! He wasn’t trying to take advantage of me at all. He did it for my own good, fearing I would succumb to melancholy, so he wanted me to cry it all out. Chang E was deeply touched. Even she didn’t realize that, deep down, she no longer harbored any aversion to Sha Chen. In fact, a part of her wanted to give him a chance. Not for anything improper, of course... perhaps just as a confidant, a kindred spirit.
She rose to her feet and offered a slight curtsy, her former coldness and haughtiness replaced entirely by apology and gratitude, along with a profound admiration.
"General," she began, "why must you be so... exceptional?" Her voice softened. "Thank you, General. I have no way to repay your kindness, but I am willing..."
Before Chang E could finish, Sha Chen laughed heartily. "Actually, Fairy, from the moment you arrived, I felt my humble dwelling was graced by your presence. Moreover, I sense a strong affinity between us."
Chang E’s face turned crimson. Is he being so direct? Indeed... he likes me. Should we... give each other a chance?
Although I am usually cool and detached, I don’t believe in perpetual widowhood, adhering strictly to the three obediences and four virtues, or upholding chastity merely for reputation’s sake. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have stolen the Immortal Pill and ascended alone all those years ago. That proves I can be selfish when it comes to my own desires. Sha Chen is exceptional, and it has been countless years since I left... him. I am a free woman now. Considering my own happiness doesn’t seem unreasonable. Besides, it could be without any formal commitment. The Flowing Sand River is a perfectly secluded place. If others can keep mistresses in luxurious golden houses, why can’t I, Fairy Chang E, keep a man hidden away here at the Flowing Sand River?
Adopting a subtly coquettish tone, she said, "General, you are so straightforward and understanding. I am deeply grateful. If you have any request of me, General, I... I shall not refuse." She gazed directly at Sha Chen, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears and nascent affection.
She was just past the peak of her sorrow, her defenses against Sha Chen now lowered. Though she had mentally resolved not to let him take advantage, in her heart, she had already begun to accept him. This vulnerability, this loneliness following heartbreak, is precisely why men often find it easiest to make inroads with a woman.
However, just as she finished speaking, Sha Chen declared, "Indeed, we share a strong affinity! It is truly a pity you are a woman. Otherwise, we could have become sworn brothers!"